Evaluation of a one-step surgical preparation technique in dogs

The efficacy of a 1-step surgical preparation technique for skin of dogs prior to elective ovariohysterectomy was evaluated. Dogs randomly assigned to group 1 (n = 30) had their skin prepared for surgery by use of a 2-step method, whereas the skin of dogs in group 2 (n = 30) was prepared for surgery by use of a commercially available product for a 1-step technique. Culture plates for quantitative bacterial counts were applied to the proposed incision site on dogs under general anesthesia after hair at the site was clipped and vacuumed but before antiseptic was applied. A second quantitative bacterial culture plate was applied to the proposed incision site after completion of the surgical preparation technique. Surgeries were routinely completed, and dogs were evaluated by physical examination the next day and at the time of suture removal (7 to 10 days after surgery) for complications. Postoperative complications were minor and consisted primarily of subcutaneous swelling, which resolved with time. All cultures obtained prior to skin preparation included bacteria or yeast. Sixteen cultures obtained after skin preparation (group 1, n = 11; group 2, n = 5) included bacteria or yeast. The total number of colonies of potential pathogens (Staphylococcus sp and Enterobacteriaceae) on the preparation cultures was 9,339; 4 colonies were counted on the postpreparation cultures. Potential bacterial pathogens, ie Streptococcus intermedius and gram-negative bacteria, were isolated from dogs prepared with the 2-step technique.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)